Yoga for the Toes: Another Key for Balance

Yoga practitioners typically remove their shoes and socks prior to class, experiencing yoga postures barefoot on the sticky mat without a second thought. Feet are the foundation of standing poses, and we learn to spread the toes and lift the arches so our feet are responsive for balance and stability.

Over time, the flexible agility of the feet we started out with as children begins to disappear. Although for various medical reasons foot protection is indicated when walking, simple seated ankle and foot mobility exercises provided in this article on balance, are available to almost anyone.

For students able to come to the floor, I first learned this foot stretch from my teacher Tias Little. Below I demonstrate two floor options.

A wrist opener is included in this variation; it’s another great way to practice.

This is the most challenging version. Great way to experience toe and foot opening. And a way to practice breathing through discomfort.

Whenever I begin teaching a class of students new to yoga, I provide the recommendation that it is best to practice yoga barefoot. Following that announcement, I often encounter a few deer-in the-headlights expressions from my students. The mere suggestion of exposing their feet to the world triggers emotions from shyness to rebellion. One of my more self-conscious new students remarked: “my toes are so curly!” (She eventually learned to love her feet!)

Toe Separation Exercise-Seated on Chair, Floor, or Standing

This week I taught standing and chair versions of this toe agility exercise demonstrated in the video below by my teacher Jill Miller.

Typically, we keep our feet hidden, encased, and often constricted in shoes and socks the entire day. And more often than not, the fit of our shoes is less than optimal, which can be a recipe for unhealthy foot issues. Discomfort and pain are the result, as well as impaired balance. Plantar fasciitis, described in my previous article is an all too common result of neglecting to care for our feet when they have been working all day for us.

In order to nurture and reclaim the balanced foundation of our body in our feet, we can consciously stretch and strengthen the toes and soles. We will experience toe agility, and the subsequent willingness to fully inhabit our yoga poses through the “sole” of our practice.

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Serenity, Knowledge, Desire to Help Others

What impresses me from Bonnie after the first yoga class I took with her is her serenity, deep knowledge of...

2016-04-07T19:12:09+00:00

What impresses me from Bonnie after the first yoga class I took with her is her serenity, deep knowledge of the human body, the desire to help others to improve their mobility, bone strength and balance. Every time I take her class, I feel rejuvenated. I followed Bonnie from another yoga studio and she is one of the greater yoga teachers I have ever met.

Knowledge and skill

The knowledge and skill of a facilitator like Bonnie are essential. Her initiative and dedication to the learner are unsurpassed

Director, Organizational Development Tucson

2014-12-26T21:11:30+00:00

Director, Organizational Development Tucson

The knowledge and skill of a facilitator like Bonnie are essential. Her initiative and dedication to the learner are unsurpassed

http://www.yogawithbonnie.com/testimonials/knowledge-and-skill/

Great Pace

I admire that you ease everyone into each posture, instead of speeding through the lesson.

KK, beginner student

2014-12-26T21:12:41+00:00

KK, beginner student

I admire that you ease everyone into each posture, instead of speeding through the lesson.

http://www.yogawithbonnie.com/testimonials/great-pace/

I love Bonnie’s classes

I love Bonnie’s classes! Anything you need help with or if something feels out of line, she will help you....

Beginning Yoga Student

2014-12-26T21:13:38+00:00

Beginning Yoga Student

I love Bonnie’s classes! Anything you need help with or if something feels out of line, she will help you. She teaches you to become aware of your body and mind so you yourself can take her teachings and help yourself in the real world.

http://www.yogawithbonnie.com/testimonials/i-love-bonnies-classes/

Can’t say enough

I cant say enough about Bonnie. She guided every move in a fluid manner and simply said the name of...

Beginning Yoga Student

2014-12-26T21:14:20+00:00

Beginning Yoga Student

I cant say enough about Bonnie. She guided every move in a fluid manner and simply said the name of the position while we completed the move. It was a very calming, motivating, and a wonderful experience. I cant wait until next week! Thank you Bonnie for introducing me to yoga.